There's a saying that "if you're not at the table, you're on the table." That is, if you're not part of the discussion, decisions may be made that affect you without your input. With this in mind, ASCD created the ASCD Forum, an educator-driven conversation designed to give everyone a voice, whether online or in person.
Through April 11, we invite you to focus on the question, How do we cultivate and support teacher leaders? This ASCD Forum discussion of teacher leadership goes to the heart of what it means to be an educator, explores the career potential of teachers, and breaks down the essential elements of professional development needed to support aspiring leaders. The firsthand perspective of school administrators will be especially valuable in this discussion about the benefits of teacher leaders regarding student, staff, and school improvement efforts.
Questions for Discussion
We encourage educators to join the conversation by addressing one of the following questions, or addressing the topic of teacher leadership in a manner of their own choosing.
- What does it mean to be a teacher leader, and how does an educator become one?
- How do teachers exercise leadership without having to pursue a career in administration?
- How can administrators identify and cultivate teacher leaders?
- What opportunities are available for educators to become teacher leaders and how can school systems support educators in this role?
How to Get Involved
Visit www.ascd.org/ascdforum for more information about
- Joining the ASCD Forum group on the ASCD EDge® platform for updates and ongoing conversations with other educators.
- Viewing and commenting on ASCD EDge blog posts on this topic by other educators.
- Writing your own ASCD EDge blog posts.
- Following the conversation on Twitter with #ASCDForum.
- Participating in the face-to-face session (#2124) hosted by ASCD President Becky Berg at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, at the ASCD Annual Conference in Los Angeles, Calif.
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Attention ASCD Members
ASCD's 2014 General Membership Election opens on April 1. You will have until May 15 to cast your ballot to fill two positions on the Board of Directors and help decide the association's future leadership. Look for instructions on how to access the ballot in the April issue of Education Update.